Second five-eighths
# Second five-eighths

Second five-eighths, or sometimes second five-eighth, is a name used in New Zealand to refer the rugby union position commonly known elsewhere as the inside centre or number 12.

It traditionally described a playmaking type of 12 with good passing and kicking skills as opposed to the strong hard runner and tackler in that position providing less game-management and attacking options. Some second five-eighths such as Sonny Bill Williams and Ma’a Nonu, however, combine aspects of both styles of play.

## Etymology

The 1903 All Black captain, Jimmy Duncan, is credited with coining the name five-eighths when he decided to take a player from the forwards to add to the backs. The backs at that time consisted of two half-backs, three three-quarters, and a full-back. As the additional player stood between half-back and three-quarters, Duncan came up with the term five-eighths according to the fraction between them.

The player at five-eighths, also known as the five-eighth, could take the ball back to the forwards or pass it on to the three-quarters. This backline innovation occurred before the split between rugby union and rugby league in Australia and New Zealand and the term is now commonly used for the five-eighth position in rugby league football.

As the game of rugby union evolved, the two half-back positions acquired separate functions. The outside half-back, now known as the outhalf or fly-half, became the first five-eighths in New Zealand under the two five-eighths system. The next player on his outside was called the second five-eighths.

The terms first-five and second-five are sometimes used as abbreviated versions of first five-eighths and second five-eighths, respectively.

## Notable second five-eighths

New Zealand All Blacks:

* Walter Little
* Aaron Mauger
* Ma'a Nonu
* Tana Umaga
* Sonny Bill Williams

Australian Wallabies:

* Tim Horan
* Matt Giteau
* Christian Lealiifano
* Matt To'omua
